[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 150 (Wednesday, December 10, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1769]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING MR. STEVE SAULS

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MARIO DIAZ-BALART

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 10, 2014

  Mr. DIAZ-BALART. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Steve Sauls, 
and to congratulate him on his retirement. Mr. Sauls is an outstanding 
individual who has served as the Vice President for Governmental 
Relations at Florida International University.
   Steve has spent over 20 years at FIU, helping build the university 
into one of the top research institutions in the country. At FIU, he 
was instrumental in establishing and funding both the law school and 
medical school, and the expansion of graduate programs. His assistance 
has also led to millions of dollars of research funds being made 
available for the International Hurricane Research Center, Wolfsonian-
FIU, and countless construction projects at the university.
   Steve's accomplishments include much more than just his work at FIU. 
He is the author of the Refugee Education Assistance Act of 1980, which 
was created to provide educational assistance to Mariel and Haitian 
refugees. In the 1980s he also provided staff support to Governor Bob 
Graham of Florida. He was instrumental in the resurrection of the 
Everglades Coalition as part of the Save the Everglades program, and 
the purchase of Fakahatchee Strand, which protected Florida's panther 
habitat.
   Having known Steve for over 20 years, and been able to work with him 
since my time in the Florida state legislature, I can attest that he 
has consistently demonstrated the highest degree of integrity, 
character, and professionalism. He has been dedicated to his career and 
has worked tirelessly for the state of Florida and FIU. Beyond that, 
over the years I have had the privilege of getting to know Steve on a 
personal level, and am honored to now call him my friend. I wish 
nothing but the best for Steve in the future, and again congratulate 
him on his retirement.
   Mr. Speaker, I am honored to pay tribute to Mr. Steve Sauls for his 
tremendous service to Florida, and I ask my colleagues to join me in 
recognizing this remarkable individual.

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